Thanks for signing up! You might also like these other newsletters:

A generic version of Viagra, a drug that treats erectile dysfunction, will be available soon.

Denys Kovtun/Alamy

By now, you’ve probably heard of Viagra. The popular drug used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) has become somewhat of a household name.

A Historic Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Viagra (sildenafil citrate) in 1998, and the medicine became an instant game changer for men.

“The breakthrough was enormous,” says Amin Herati, MD, assistant professor of urology and director of male infertility and men’s health at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore. “Prior to Viagra, men were obtaining erections through penile injection of medication that stimulated their erection.”

A New Twist on Treating Erectile Dysfunction

Now, there’s more big news for men who struggle with erectile dysfunction: In December 2017, Viagra is expected to be sold in a generic form.

The Road to a Generic Version of Viagra

Pfizer has had exclusive rights to marketing Viagra since the medicine was first approved in 1998. The company has a patent on Viagra that doesn’t expire until 2020. If you’re thinking 22 years is a long time to wait for a drug to be eligible to go generic, you’re right.

Dr. Herati says financial incentives for pharmaceutical companies are the main holdup for drugs going generic.

In 2010, Teva Pharmaceuticals announced that it intended to market a generic version of sildenafil, the chemical ingredient of the drug with the brand name Viagra. Pfizer took legal action to block Teva from violating its patent.

But in 2013, Pfizer announced that it settled litigation against Teva Pharmaceuticals. As a result, Teva would be permitted to produce a generic version of Viagra in the United States on December 11, 2017, or earlier depending on the circumstances.

Pfizer said that Teva will pay a royalty until the patent expires, but didn’t disclose how much.

What Does the Term 'Generic' Mean Anyway?

Simply put, a generic medicine is a drug created to work like an existing, brand-name treatment.

According to the FDA, generic medicines work the same way and provide identical benefits as brand-name drugs. In fact, generic drugs must meet rigorous standards to receive FDA approval.

The Cost-Saving Benefit for Men With Erectile Dysfunction

The upside for patients is that generic meds are usually cheaper than brand-name ones. According to the FDA, market competition typically results in prices that are about 85 percent less than brand-name products.

How Generic Pills May Be Different Than Brand-Name Pills

You should know there may be slight cosmetic differences between generic and brand-name drugs. The color, shape, packaging, and labeling of the medicine could vary. Also, generic medicines may have different inactive ingredients, so they might have a different flavoring.

Herati says the generic version of Viagra should be very similar to the brand-name medicine. “[We] will have to wait for pharmacologic studies to see how long it takes the medication to show effect, what its duration will be, and what restrictions will be placed with it,” he says.

Basics of Generic Viagra: What to Know

Here are the top three things you need to know when Viagra goes generic:

1. It Will Probably Cost You Less Money

While Teva hasn’t revealed the price of the pill yet, it’s likely to cost less than the brand-name version. “That will be a big deal for patient access to the medication,” says Herati. “On average, about 2/3 of patients are faced with extremely high copays with their insurance.” He says your cost will ultimately depend on your insurance coverage.

2. The New Drug Will Have a Different Name

Don’t look for the name “Viagra” on the packaging of your medicine. Teva will call its generic version “sildenafil citrate.” Remember, the packaging might also look different.

3. Generic Viagra Is Already Available in Europe

In 2013, Teva launched a generic version of Viagra in countries across Europe, including Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, and others.

The Overall Impact of the Availability of Generic Viagra

Some studies have suggested that more than half of men are living with ED.

Although the impact of generic Viagra isn’t yet known, it will provide another option for men who suffer from ED, and is expected to open the door for more awareness about the condition.

“Viagra has not only offered a less invasive method of treating ED, but direct-to-consumer advertising has raised awareness of ED in the community and increased sexual health awareness,” Herati says. “It also facilitated previously difficult and personal discussions between patients and doctors.”

And when generic Viagra becomes available, even more men will be financially able to benefit from a proven treatment for a once-taboo condition.